Champagne Dhondt-Grellet
Established in 1986 by Eric Dhondt and Edith Grellet, Champagne Dhondt-Grellet is a distinguished family estate rooted in the chalky slopes of the Côte des Blancs at Flavigny, near Avize. What began as a desire to stop selling grapes to négociants evolved into a domaine now recognized for its pure, terroir-driven Champagnes.
Today, the estate is led by Adrien Dhondt, who assumed winemaking responsibility in his early twenties. Under his guidance — supported by his sister Alice — the domaine has embraced biodynamic practices and a Burgundian-inspired approach that elevates expression of site and varietal character. Adrien’s vision is shaped by influences from iconic white wine producers in Burgundy and mentorship from notable figures like Anselme Selosse, resulting in Champagnes that blend classical precision with contemporary depth.
Spread across approximately six hectares of predominantly Chardonnay vineyards, Dhondt-Grellet’s holdings include both Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels in Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Cuis and Sézanne, with a small but expressive component of Pinot Noir from Avenay-Val d’Or in the Grande Vallée de la Marne. Soils of clay and chalk lend a crystalline minerality and tension that are the hallmarks of their style.
The estate’s philosophy emphasizes plot-by-plot expression, meticulous vineyard work (including ploughing and plant-based treatments), and biodynamic viticulture without formal certification. Adrien’s approach yields wines of notable freshness, salinity, and textural nuance — often grounded in Chardonnay’s clarity and precision yet enriched by subtle complexity from ageing and reserve wines.
Critically acclaimed and quietly sought after, Dhondt-Grellet has garnered attention for several cuvées, including Les Terres Fines — a Blanc de Blancs from Premier Cru sites that evokes refined citrus and stone fruit with bracing minerality — and the Cramant Grand Cru bottlings that articulate the chalky terroir with remarkable depth. Wine Advocate has praised the domaine’s wines, noting their vivacity, structure and ability to convey a distinctive sense of place.
Today, Champagne Dhondt-Grellet stands as one of Champagne’s most compelling grower houses, balancing tradition and innovation, and offering expressions that reward both immediate enjoyment and thoughtful ageing.
